Red Trail (Beginner)

A machine-built trail at Margraff Plantation.

TodayPrime RidingTrail Conditions

Get Directions Trail Map

Distance: 1.4 mi
Difficulty: Easy
Hunting: Hunting Area

Good For: Mountain Bike, Hike, Trail Running

About This Trail

Local Note: Bluebird fall day! Trails are dry and awesome!

Hunting Season Is OpenNow open in Garrett County: Deer Archery (through Nov. 27) · Black Bear (through Oct. 31) · Small Game & Waterfowl. The Margraff Plantation trails are in Savage River State Forest, where hunting is allowed. Firearms seasons are underway: wear blaze orange and keep pets visible.

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The Red Trail is the beginner trail in Margraff Plantation’s new trail system, which opened in July 2025. It’s about 1.4 miles of machine-built singletrack and the place to start for new riders and families. Trail maps are posted at the trailhead kiosk and at hub intersections throughout the system.

Trail Type & Etiquette

Machine-built trail: holds water longer after rain.

Leave a Track, Turn Back. If your tires or boots are leaving a track, pick another trail.

Updated Thu, Oct 29, 10:03 AM. These ratings come from DCAB riders who are out on these trails all week. They are rated for mountain biking, so hikers, runners and skiers can use them as a general guide. Conditions can change fast, and trails are rarely closed; use your judgment.

Photos & Video

Margraff Plantation trail scene – Deep Creek Adventure Bureau

Plan Your Visit

Trailhead: Fratz Road, Accident, MD (Margraff kiosk). From Route 219, take Accident-Bittinger Road to Fratz Road.
Fee: Free. No trail fee.
Restrooms: None at the trailhead. Plan ahead.
Dogs: Welcome on a leash. There is no water on the trail, so bring some for your dog.
Hunting: Margraff is in Savage River State Forest, which is open to hunting, including Sunday deer hunting Sept. 13, 2026 to Jan. 31, 2027. Wear blaze orange in hunting season.
Managed By: Maryland Forest Service, Savage River State Forest · 301-895-5759
Accessibility: The 2-mile Orange Trail is a beginner loop and Maryland's first adaptive mountain bike trail on state forest land. For adaptive riders it is rated aMTB blue (intermediate).
Emergency: Call 911. Nearest hospital: Garrett Regional Medical Center, 251 N. 4th Street, Oakland (301-533-4000).

Get Directions Official Trail Map Adaptive Trail Info

Know Before You Go

Four trails, all on one hilltop: two beginner loops, Red (1.4 mi) and Orange (2 mi), plus Blue (intermediate, 1.4 mi) and Purple (advanced, 1.2 mi). Orange is also Maryland's first adaptive mountain bike trail on state forest land.
Drive slowly on Fratz Road. It runs through a residential area.
Black bear country. Make noise and keep food packed away.
Some sections cross the gravel road, which makes a handy shortcut back to the lot.
Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on the designated mountain bike trails here.
Leave No Trace. Pack out what you pack in, stay on the trail, and if you're leaving a track, turn back.